WSA Winter Meeting 2026

Michael Bowman came to the Office of the Secretary of State in April 2024 after spending the previous 15 years in higher education, with faculty appointments at The Evergreen State College in Olympia and Iowa State University in Ames, IA. Michael is committed to collaborative, place-based, and culturally-sustaining civic education and engagement.

Melissa Johnson is a lobbyist focusing on health care, education and human services issues.  Prior to joining Bogard & Johnson, Melissa was staff with the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) and the Washington State House of Representatives.  She also practiced law in the Seattle area.  Melissa graduated with distinction from the University of Washington with a BA in Political Science.  She received her law degree from American University in Washington, DC.

Melissa has been recognized for her advocacy efforts throughout her career, including receiving the Physical Therapy Association of Washington's "Friend of Physical Therapy" award and a special recognition award from the Washington Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Raishawn Swensen is a passionate advocate, mother, and early childhood leader rooted in community and justice. As a Public Policy Fellow, Raishawn brings lived experience and deep dedication to advancing equitable policies for children, families, and early educators. Her journey into early childhood education began when she became a mother and sought safe, nurturing, and affordable learning spaces for her own children. What started as a personal need quickly transformed into a professional calling.

Raishawn has worked hands-on in early learning settings, led community-centered advocacy efforts, and supported initiatives that amplify the voices of those most impacted by systemic inequities. Her policy work is informed by her experience as a homeschooling parent, educator, and organizer committed to uplifting families who are often left out of decision-making spaces.

Through her fellowship, Raishawn aims to co-create solutions that dismantle barriers to access, promote racial and economic justice, and ensure that early care and education systems are built with not just for communities.

Bassie Whipple, MHP, LSWAIC

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the owner of Bassie Counseling and Consulting, where I provide trauma-informed, person-centered care to individuals and families. In addition to private practice, I serve as a School-Based Mental Health Specialist at North Thurston Public Schools, supporting students and families with accessible, affirming mental health services.

With lived experience as an immigrant, veteran, and mother of three, I bring both professional expertise and deep compassion to my work. My own healing journey through complex PTSD inspires me to create a safe, supportive space where individuals and families can heal, grow, and thrive.

I specialize in trauma-informed, culturally responsive therapy, with a focus on life transitions, cultural identity, parenting, and strengthening family bonds. As a bilingual therapist (English, Fanti, Twi), I am committed to expanding access to care by serving diverse communities in their preferred languages.

I am especially passionate about advocating for accessible, high-quality mental health care within Black and African American communities to help break down stigma and foster resilience. My therapeutic approach is rooted in empathy, authenticity, and cultural humility, ensuring that each client feels heard, valued, and empowered.

Outside of my professional work, I enjoy traveling, being in nature, practicing mindfulness meditation, trying new cuisines, and spending quality time with my three children.

&nbs

Mirella Sanchez is a dedicated second-generation Latina with a Master’s Degree in Social Work and is working on her Clinical Licensure. Her passion lies in empowering youth and families through compassionate, trauma informed-care. With over a decade of experience in the field, she has worked as a Substance Use Disorder Professional, specifically focusing on supporting youth. She then moved on to the Department of Children, Youth and Families, where she helped children and families navigate complex systems and overcome challenges. 

Currently, Mirella Sanchez is a therapist for youth in Thurston County, where she helps them heal from trauma, build resilience, and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Her work is deeply rooted in cultural understanding, as she brings personal and professional insight to her practice, working from a place of empty, connection and advocacy for marginalized communities.

Nathan LaChine is a third generation foster
parent with 20 years of experience providing therapeutic foster care to some of Washington state’s most vulnerable youth. His frontline experience provides unique insights into the challenges young people face, particularly in navigating the digital world, making him a sought-after internet safety expert.

For over 25 years, Nathan has been a key volunteer and board member for the nonprofit MaleSurvivor, supporting male survivors of sexual abuse. He also founded Evergreen Caregiver Support, an organization dedicated to empowering caregivers through education and community resources. Through his organization Nathan has developed trainings on Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC), Child Sexual Abuse Material Industry (CSAM), LGBTQIA+ ; SOGIE, Harm Reduction, among many other trainings.

A passionate advocate for youth and families, Nathan has shared his expertise on various platforms. He co-hosted the live radio show Real Family Matters, providing resources to community members. He frequently speaks to legislators and policymakers at the local, state, and national levels on issues affecting foster care, and has been featured on numerous podcasts and in interviews. His work with youth has shown him how important internet safety is for this population, and he provides training and support to caregivers on this topic.

Nathan serves as a Foster Parent Mentor and Support Group Facilitator with the University of Washington, providing guidance and support to caregivers across the state. He is also a member of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families’ Foster Parent 1624 Consultation Team.

Nathan’s work is driven by the principles of Educate, Empower, and Harm Reduction, inspiring meaningful change through his trainings, lectures, and advocacy. He is also a published author , professional speaker, international trainer, community advocate, and avid collector of modern and historic queer art.  To read more about Nathan LaChine 

Maureen Sorenson is a values-driven leader with over 20 years of experience driving systemic change across child welfare, behavioral health, and community-based care. As the Senior Director of Foster Care Operations at Coordinated Care of Washington, she leads statewide initiatives to improve medical and behavioral health outcomes for children impacted by foster care, building cross-sector collaborations with state agencies, court systems, advocates, and care providers.

Maureen holds a Master of Social Work and a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences from the University of Washington, Tacoma. She is a licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate in Washington State and a Senior Fellow of the American Leadership Forum (Class XXVII), reflecting her deep commitment to equity, integrity, and transformative leadership.

Throughout her career, Maureen has held leadership roles at organizations including AMARA, Elevate Health, and Pierce County Juvenile Court. She was instrumental in launching Washington State’s nationally recognized Safe Babies Court Teams initiative and developing trauma-informed, community-centered approaches to family reunification and early intervention. Her expertise spans program development, stakeholder engagement, DEI strategy, and policy advocacy.

A passionate educator and mentor, Maureen also serves as a part-time lecturer at the University of Washington School of Social Work and Criminal Justice, where she supports the next generation of social work professionals.

Maureen's work is rooted in her core values—Equity, Humility, Hope, Perseverance, and Joy—and driven by a belief in the power of relationships to create lasting, positive change. She continues to advocate for equity and community-informed solutions that foster wellbeing and belonging for children and families across systems.

Nathan LaChine is a third generation foster
parent with 20 years of experience providing therapeutic foster care to some of Washington state’s most vulnerable youth. His frontline experience provides unique insights into the challenges young people face, particularly in navigating the digital world, making him a sought-after internet safety expert.

For over 25 years, Nathan has been a key volunteer and board member for the nonprofit MaleSurvivor, supporting male survivors of sexual abuse. He also founded Evergreen Caregiver Support, an organization dedicated to empowering caregivers through education and community resources. Through his organization Nathan has developed trainings on Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC), Child Sexual Abuse Material Industry (CSAM), LGBTQIA+ ; SOGIE, Harm Reduction, among many other trainings.

A passionate advocate for youth and families, Nathan has shared his expertise on various platforms. He co-hosted the live radio show Real Family Matters, providing resources to community members. He frequently speaks to legislators and policymakers at the local, state, and national levels on issues affecting foster care, and has been featured on numerous podcasts and in interviews. His work with youth has shown him how important internet safety is for this population, and he provides training and support to caregivers on this topic.

Nathan serves as a Foster Parent Mentor and Support Group Facilitator with the University of Washington, providing guidance and support to caregivers across the state. He is also a member of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families’ Foster Parent 1624 Consultation Team.

Nathan’s work is driven by the principles of Educate, Empower, and Harm Reduction, inspiring meaningful change through his trainings, lectures, and advocacy. He is also a published author , professional speaker, international trainer, community advocate, and avid collector of modern and historic queer art.  To read more about Nathan LaChine 

Maureen Sorenson is a values-driven leader with over 20 years of experience driving systemic change across child welfare, behavioral health, and community-based care. As the Senior Director of Foster Care Operations at Coordinated Care of Washington, she leads statewide initiatives to improve medical and behavioral health outcomes for children impacted by foster care, building cross-sector collaborations with state agencies, court systems, advocates, and care providers.

Maureen holds a Master of Social Work and a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences from the University of Washington, Tacoma. She is a licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate in Washington State and a Senior Fellow of the American Leadership Forum (Class XXVII), reflecting her deep commitment to equity, integrity, and transformative leadership.

Throughout her career, Maureen has held leadership roles at organizations including AMARA, Elevate Health, and Pierce County Juvenile Court. She was instrumental in launching Washington State’s nationally recognized Safe Babies Court Teams initiative and developing trauma-informed, community-centered approaches to family reunification and early intervention. Her expertise spans program development, stakeholder engagement, DEI strategy, and policy advocacy.

A passionate educator and mentor, Maureen also serves as a part-time lecturer at the University of Washington School of Social Work and Criminal Justice, where she supports the next generation of social work professionals.

Maureen's work is rooted in her core values—Equity, Humility, Hope, Perseverance, and Joy—and driven by a belief in the power of relationships to create lasting, positive change. She continues to advocate for equity and community-informed solutions that foster wellbeing and belonging for children and families across systems.

Benjamin Schmauss MPH, M.S.,, is the National Senior Advocacy Consultant for Voices for Health Kids, where he leads the early care and education portfolio and consultation efforts for the initiative.

Previously, Ben served as the Government Relations Director and Lead Lobbyist for the American Heart Association in Nevada. Prior to that, he worked for the Alliance for a Healthier Generation’s as the Healthy Schools Program Manager. Ben started his career as a health and physical education teacher.

He earned his undergraduate and Masters of Public Health Degree’s from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and also has a Master’s Degree in Teaching and Learning, specializing in Brain Research from Nova South Eastern University. Ben is a avid learner and teacher with a growth mindset.

When Ben is not at work, he loves spending time with his wife and three kids playing or coaching sports or adventuring in Alaska where he was born and raised. Ben currently lives in Eastern Washington State.